16MAR16:The North Little Rock Fire Department is proud to present "It's Game Day... Are You Ready?", the first in a planned series of seminars designed to provide quality and experienced information about the fire service profession to Departments in Arkansas.

Speakers for this conference will include Chief Bobby Halton, Editor in Chief for Fire Engineering magazine, and Chief Erron Kinney who is also a former NFL player for the Tennessee Titans.

The Conference will be on Tuesday, March 29th at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The $75 registration fee includes the conference and materials, a lunch buffet and a post- seminar Reception with Hors d’ Oeuvres and a cash bar.

Vendor tables and sponsorships for the event are also available! Just contact Lt Billy Jones at the email or phone number listed below.

Space for the event is limited; please register early. Attached below are the Conference flyer, registration form and a sponsorship form for any interested organizations.

Pride and Ownership: by Chief Rick Lasky

16JUL15 - The El Dorado Professional Firefighters (IAFF Local #1074) are proud to announce that Chief Rick Lasky will be appearing in El Doraodo Arkansas on August 29 to teach an 8 hour Pride and Ownership class.

Lasky's Pride and Ownership"... takes a hard look at the fire service and finds it short on the only element that makes it effective: passion. [The class] ..gives an upfront and honest criticism about the need to reignite the love of the job on every level, from chiefs on down."

Richard "Rick" Lasky is an emergency services consultant, author, motivational speaker, and former chief of the Lewisville, TX Fire Department. Originally from the Chicago area, Lasky worked in various capacities for police and fire departments in Illinois and Idaho before moving to Lewisville, where he was the city's fire chief for 11 years. He retired as chief in 2011 to become a full-time consultant and educator. He has written one book and co-authored another.

The cost for early registration is $40 before August 15 and $50 after August 15. Attached below is a flyer and the registration form for the course.

If you have any questions please contact Seth Rainwater at 870-918-3290 or by email at sethrainwater@att.net.

Excerpted from The City Wire -- Fort Smith in 2004 implemented a higher 3.28 multiplier for the pension plan, up from the base multiplier of 2.94. When the base multiplier was adopted, the city had an $11.863 million balance in its pension contribution fund and was adding $1.346 million annually to the plan. That was before the financial crisis of 2008, when the plan started withdrawing more money than the city was putting in, setting it up for the eventual insolvency projected for 2019.

The resolution before the Board on Tuesday was to revert back to the “BP 1” multiplier of 2.94.

“The change to BP 1 is estimated to save $447,534 in 2016 and $516,297 a year by 2026. This change is one of the actions discussed at the study session to make Fort Smith’s LOPFI Contribution Fund more financially sustainable,” City Administrator Ray Gosack noted in a memo to the Board. “Continued discussion of additional actions to strengthen the fund will be planned for an upcoming study session. The actions will assure proper funding of the city’s pension obligations.”

The BP 1 multiplier is used by a “vast majority” of cities participating in the pension program, Gosack said in the memo.

Several police and fire employees addressed the Board, saying average pay is already low for fire and police officers. They also noted that pay raises have been infrequent over the years, and that the one thing the officers have to look forward to is the retirement plan. Fort Smith Police Chief Kevin Lindsey said lowering the benefit multiplier would “severely demoralize” his department.

Following remarks from police and fire officers, Director Lau said he has been trying for the past 2.5 years to get the city staff and Board to address the problem.

“I’m mad as hell because I’m put in this position,” Lau said, adding that the pension problem is an example of results from a poor budgeting process.

Lau and Pennartz also objected to forming a committee and giving it three months to come up with a solution, with Pennartz said a committee is “just another way of putting off making a decision.” Lorenz agreed, saying that forming a committee is “kicking the pension problem down the road, and the end of the road is getting close.” Pennartz was one of several Directors who said multiplier change is just one part of addressing the problem. She “committed” to the fire and police officers of not pushing the problem forward but instead finding other “revenue enhancements” and general fund budget cuts to address the pension problem.

Director Catsavis was also pointed in his remarks, saying that “past mismanagement and neglect” resulted in the city funding things other than necessities. He noted that the city can find “millions of dollars for waterparks,” but when it comes to finding money for pension shortfalls, “Y’all (police and fire officers) are out of luck.”

A motion by Director Hutchings to form a committee and give them three months to find a solution failed by a 3-4 vote. The Board then voted 5-2 to move the multiplier back to the BP 1 formula. Directors Catsavis and Hutchings voted against the multiplier reduction.

Following the vote, the Board set a June 23 study session solely for the purpose of considering other possible solutions to the pension issue.

After nearly two decades of working to get protections for members who get sick on the job, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters (APFF) have successfully lobbied for the passage of a new law that will provide line-of-duty death benefits to fire fighters who die of cancer caused by on-the-job exposure. The law is retroactive three years.

“This is a good day for our members,” says APFF President Ed Jaros. “The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters worked hard for the passage of this bill, and it was well worth the effort. It will go a long way toward giving peace of mind to members worried about contracting cancer.”

Springdale, AR Local 3007 member Bud Planchon, a 25-year veteran fire fighter, was diagnosed in 2009 with colon cancer that eventually spread to his liver. He died in April 2014.

“He was the first member we had whose doctor said, ‘Yes, you got this because of on-the-job exposure,’” says APFF Legislative Director Wade Marshall. “It was his wish that future fire fighters who contracted occupational diseases including cancer receive some kind of protection. As this also has long been a goal of the APFF, we were determined to make it happen.”

Past attempts to pass presumptive legislation were met with serious opposition from the Arkansas Municipal League, the Workers’ Compensation Board and some anti-worker lawmakers.

Rather than pass a presumptive disability law, the APFF proposed legislation that would provide the same benefits already in place for other line-of-duty deaths to fire fighters who die as a result of job-related cancer.

The APFF wrote HB 1274 to provide families of fire fighters who die as a result of cancers proven to be more common in fire fighters than the average population with $150,000 in benefits, plus college tuition for any surviving children. Representative Greg Leding (D-Fayetteville), a longtime fire fighter supporter, agreed to be the bill’s chief sponsor and Senator Jon Woods (R-Springdale) sponsored the legislation in the senate.

However, while in committee, some lawmakers refused to send the bill to the full House unless the word “presumption” was removed from the language. As a compromise, HB 1274 was amended to remove the word, but included the creation of a review panel. The panel will include two professional fire fighters, two volunteer fire fighters, a fire chief, an oncologist and a citizen, all to be appointed by the governor. The panel will review each claim and award the benefit to the family or beneficiaries.

“Moving forward, we approached this bill a lot like a political campaign,” says Marshall. “We developed coalitions and got our message out through both traditional and new media. As the word got around, momentum for HB 1274 just grew.”

The bill passed the House and the Senate and was later signed by Governor Asa Hutchinson. The bill is retroactive three years, so Bud Planchon’s family and a few others will be eligible to receive the benefit.

The APFF now hopes to make progress on preventing occupational diseases by passing legislation requiring mandatory exhaust ventilation systems for firehouses and industrial turnout washing machines to remove carcinogens, among other protections.

Union firefighters from around the state met today at the IAFF Local #34 lodge for the beginning of their 2015 efforts at the state capitol. The Legislative Convention is scheduled to run three days.

The front-running issue for Arkansas firefighters: House Bill 1274, which introduces a presumptive cancer clause into the laws regarding line of duty death due to certain cancers. At this time, a firefighter who dies from cancer caused by exposure while on the job would be ineligible to receive any of the Line of Duty Death benefits unless his/her family was able to conclusively prove that the cancer was a direct cause of exposure while on the job.

A Presumptive Cancer clause would change this for certain cancer types that have been clearly identified by the medical community as being more prevalent amongst line firefighters.

At this time, 42 of the United States have a presumptive cancer clause of some sort regarding firefighters. Arkansas is one that doesn't.

The IAFF will be presenting two live webcasts on two of the biggest issues in the fire service today - the increased risk for occupational cancers and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Streamed live on Wednesday, January 28 from the upcoming Affiliate Leadership Training Summit (ALTS) in Anaheim, California, the webcast is FREE for all IAFF members.

The IAFF is urging affiliates and members to hold a safety stand down as these important issues are addressed.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Fire Service 8:00-10:00 a.m. (PT) / 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (ET) Emergency responders are more susceptible to Post Taumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) because of the nature of the profession coupled with the personal demands and challenges we all face. IAFF members respond to any number of traumatic incidents on a daily, ongoing basis. If not treated properly, the anxiety can build over time and can lead to PTSD. But all too often the effects can easily be overlooked as “a part of the job.” Presenters will discuss causes and signs/symptoms of PTSD and best practices for addressing it within your local.

June 8th, 2014 - The APFF is pleased to announce that Local 34 President Richard Morehead was awarded the 2014 Kuhron Huddleston Award at the 14th District Caucus at Orange Beach. The award is presented for his outstanding service and commitment to Local 34, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, the IAFF 14th District and the IAFF in general.

Members of Local 4496 (Mountain Home) partnered with the local Salvation Army to raise money!

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local 2866 to host the Hero Half-Marathon. The Fayetteville Fire Fighters Local 2866 will host the Hero Half-Marathon on October 18th at 10:00 am to raise funds for local charities.

The Hero Half-Marathon includes an optional 1-Mile run in full turnout gear.

Event day will include both a 911 Memorial Service prior to the event, as well as post-race activities.

Beneficiaries of the event include: the Cow Paddy Foundation, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Movies in the Park, Arkansas Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ACH Camp Sunshine and the Fayetteville Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

The Arkansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial Commemoration is set for Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm.

As a project that has been in progress for many years, the groundbreaking at the State Capitol began almost a year ago to the day in 2013.

Events will begin at 1:00 pm at 1 Capitol Mall, and will feature guest speaker Lt Ray McCormick from FDNY.

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The event will be followed by an Open House for the new IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) Lodge at 210 S. Gaines. These same facilities are the location for the APFF Offices as well. Drop by and see the new building!

March 20th, 2014 -- Cpt Michael Cossey of the Maumelle Fire Department (Local 4453) is sworn in as a member of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

Appointed to the 4th position allocated for members of the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, Cpt Cossey was sworn in by Judge Bynum Gibson at the Drew County 10th Judicial District Courthouse.

The Fire Services Protection Board was established at the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly by combining the Arkansas Fire Advisory Board, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy Board, and the former Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The Board is tasked with setting the standards for Departments and assisting them with training programs, as well as many other tasks associated with fire departments in Arkansas.

The 15-member Board is composed of four members of the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs; two from the Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas State Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association; a designee from the Arkansas Forestry Commission; the Director of the ADEM; the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy; and the State Fire Marshall.

Each member serves a 3-year term. The APFF looks forward to the quality and dedication Brother Cossey will bring to the job.

The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters met today at the Arkansas State Capitol.
Over 50 members of the APFF, representing municipal fire fighters from all corners of the state, rallied today at the Capitol to lobby for issues affecting fire safety and fair employment of the profession.
Read More...

The International Association of Fire Fighters Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after Hurricane Katrina under the IAFF Charitable Foundation, provides assistance to IAFF Members who suffer financial hardship during such disasters.
Read More...

June 8th, 2014 - The APFF is pleased to announce that Local 34 President Richard Morehead was awarded the 2014 Kuhron Huddleston Award at the 14th District Caucus at Orange Beach. The award is presented for his outstanding service and commitment to Local 34, the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, the IAFF 14th District and the IAFF in general.

Members of Local 4496 (Mountain Home) partnered with the local Salvation Army to raise money!

May 29, 2014 - IAFF Local 2866 to host the Hero Half-Marathon. The Fayetteville Fire Fighters Local 2866 will host the Hero Half-Marathon on October 18th at 10:00 am to raise funds for local charities.

The Hero Half-Marathon includes an optional 1-Mile run in full turnout gear.

Event day will include both a 911 Memorial Service prior to the event, as well as post-race activities.

Beneficiaries of the event include: the Cow Paddy Foundation, the Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Movies in the Park, Arkansas Special Olympics, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ACH Camp Sunshine and the Fayetteville Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

The Arkansas Fallen Firefighter Memorial Commemoration is set for Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 pm.

As a project that has been in progress for many years, the groundbreaking at the State Capitol began almost a year ago to the day in 2013.

Events will begin at 1:00 pm at 1 Capitol Mall, and will feature guest speaker Lt Ray McCormick from FDNY.

--

The event will be followed by an Open House for the new IAFF Local #34 (Little Rock) Lodge at 210 S. Gaines. These same facilities are the location for the APFF Offices as well. Drop by and see the new building!

March 20th, 2014 -- Cpt Michael Cossey of the Maumelle Fire Department (Local 4453) is sworn in as a member of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.

Appointed to the 4th position allocated for members of the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters, Cpt Cossey was sworn in by Judge Bynum Gibson at the Drew County 10th Judicial District Courthouse.

The Fire Services Protection Board was established at the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly by combining the Arkansas Fire Advisory Board, the Arkansas Fire Training Academy Board, and the former Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board. The Board is tasked with setting the standards for Departments and assisting them with training programs, as well as many other tasks associated with fire departments in Arkansas.

The 15-member Board is composed of four members of the Arkansas Association of Fire Chiefs; two from the Rural and Volunteer Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas State Firefighters Association; four from the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association; a designee from the Arkansas Forestry Commission; the Director of the ADEM; the Director of the Arkansas Fire Training Academy; and the State Fire Marshall.

Each member serves a 3-year term. The APFF looks forward to the quality and dedication Brother Cossey will bring to the job.

The Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters met today at the Arkansas State Capitol.
Over 50 members of the APFF, representing municipal fire fighters from all corners of the state, rallied today at the Capitol to lobby for issues affecting fire safety and fair employment of the profession. Read More...

The International Association of Fire Fighters Disaster Relief Fund, which was established after Hurricane Katrina under the IAFF Charitable Foundation, provides assistance to IAFF Members who suffer financial hardship during such disasters. Read More...

It is with a heavy heart that the APFF reports that the Pine Bluff Fire Department has lost one of it's members in a tragic vehicle accident on Thursday, April 11th.

Pine Bluff Fire Fighter Caleb Satterlee was driving along US Highway 425 North at the Drew and Lincoln counties line when he lost control of his vehicle and spun out. His vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a tractor trailer.

Funeral Services were conducted by the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Sunday, April 14th.

Satterlee was a full-time employee with the Pine Bluff Fire Department. Please hold his wife, Amy, and his family in your prayers.

Oct 9, 2012 - IAFF Local 4544 (Cabot FD) and the entire 14th District mourns the devastating loss of their Local President, Marty Stumbaugh.

On Monday, October 8th, Brother Marty Stumbaugh suffered a sudden and fatal brain aneurysm while out of state. Brother Stumbaugh is well respected by his coworkers and the loss is very tragic. He is survived by his wife Mindy, his daughter Macy (8) and his son Mason (2).

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 163 Mt Carmel Rd in Cabot, AR (72023). The funeral service will be on Friday, October 12th at 11:00 AM, also at the Mt Carmel Church. Interment will follow at the cemetery across the street from the church. The funeral services are being provided Thomas Funeral Home in Cabot.

As can be imagined, a loss like this places a considerable financial burden on the family. An account has been established with Arvest Bank at 510 W Main St in Cabot for those members or Locals who would like to help Marty's family in this time of loss. Checks should be made payable to the Marty Stumbaugh Family Fund and can either be mailed directly to the bank.

Cabot Fire Department Chief Phillip Robinson and IAFF Local 4544 wish to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support from firefighters across the state of Arkansas.

It is with deepest regrets that we announce the passing of Brother David Curlin. Brother Curlin succumbed to complications from injuries sustained while seriously injured at a structure fire on January 3, 2010. He leaves behind his wife, three children, mother, and father. Brother Curlin has made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Pine Bluff. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and members of IAFF Local 14.

Visitation will be 4-8 pm Thursday, May 27th at Ralph Robinson Funeral Home in Pine Bluff. Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, May 28th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.

It is with a heavy heart that the APFF reports that the Pine Bluff Fire Department has lost one of it's members in a tragic vehicle accident on Thursday, April 11th.

Pine Bluff Fire Fighter Caleb Satterlee was driving along US Highway 425 North at the Drew and Lincoln counties line when he lost control of his vehicle and spun out. His vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a tractor trailer.

Funeral Services were conducted by the Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home on Sunday, April 14th.

Satterlee was a full-time employee with the Pine Bluff Fire Department. Please hold his wife, Amy, and his family in your prayers.

Oct 9, 2012 - IAFF Local 4544 (Cabot FD) and the entire 14th District mourns the devastating loss of their Local President, Marty Stumbaugh.

On Monday, October 8th, Brother Marty Stumbaugh suffered a sudden and fatal brain aneurysm while out of state. Brother Stumbaugh is well respected by his coworkers and the loss is very tragic. He is survived by his wife Mindy, his daughter Macy (8) and his son Mason (2).

Visitation will be on Thursday, October 11th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Mt Carmel Baptist Church, 163 Mt Carmel Rd in Cabot, AR (72023). The funeral service will be on Friday, October 12th at 11:00 AM, also at the Mt Carmel Church. Interment will follow at the cemetery across the street from the church. The funeral services are being provided Thomas Funeral Home in Cabot.

As can be imagined, a loss like this places a considerable financial burden on the family. An account has been established with Arvest Bank at 510 W Main St in Cabot for those members or Locals who would like to help Marty's family in this time of loss. Checks should be made payable to the Marty Stumbaugh Family Fund and can either be mailed directly to the bank.

Cabot Fire Department Chief Phillip Robinson and IAFF Local 4544 wish to express their sincerest gratitude for the outpouring of support from firefighters across the state of Arkansas.

It is with deepest regrets that we announce the passing of Brother David Curlin. Brother Curlin succumbed to complications from injuries sustained while seriously injured at a structure fire on January 3, 2010. He leaves behind his wife, three children, mother, and father. Brother Curlin has made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the citizens of Pine Bluff. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and members of IAFF Local 14.

Visitation will be 4-8 pm Thursday, May 27th at Ralph Robinson Funeral Home in Pine Bluff. Funeral services will be 11 am Friday, May 28th at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.